The February newsletter from the MS Society of SA & NT. No Images? Click here Hello member - Welcome to the February edition of Vitality. February has been a big month for us here at the MS Society. We began the month with a big research breakthrough which will assist with diagnosing what type of MS people have and treatment options. Read on for more information. We held our annual fundraiser, the MS Mighty Swim on the weekend. It was a fantastic day full of fun, swimming and great community spirit. A huge thank you to all of our mighty swimmers, volunteers, sponsors and staff who helped on the day! We have managed to raise over $100,000 in donations to support people with MS from the MS Mighty Swim, what an amazing effort, thanks to everyone who donated, there is of course still time for last minute donations! Thank you for your ongoing support. The team at MSSANT Research breakthrough - blood test to aid prognosis and treatment of MSAn Australian research breakthrough means people with multiple sclerosis will soon be able to access a blood tests to tell them what type of MS they have and if the treatment they are using is working. More from MS Research Australia. See the coverage on the ABC. Anxiety levels may affect thinking abilities in MSResearchers from Newcastle, NSW, have shown that anxiety and cognitive problems can go hand-in-hand in MS. Read more. NDIS: Information UpdateThe National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will become available across South Australia for adults 18 to 64 years from July 2017. The roll out of the NDIS is by local government areas. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), responsible for delivering the NDIS, have begun to make contact with people who meet eligibility requirements, living in the following local government areas
This is the beginning of your journey into the NDIS. It means that you will soon be meeting with a NDIA Planner to determine what therapies and supports you need to live the life you want and what you require to help you meet your goals. The NDIA may offer to create your plan over the phone. If you are not comfortable with this do not feel pressured into agreeing – you can request, and are entitled to, a face to face meeting. You can also bring someone to support you such as a family member, friend and/or advocate. The MS Society is here to support you through this journey. We can assure you that the MS Society is here and will continue to provide support to you. If you wish to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact us on 1800 812 311 or via email ndis@ms.asn.au. Seminar for the newly diagnosedDate: Monday, 20 February 2017 More information available on the MS Society website. New MS Tai Chi class - Salisbury EastThe first class will be a Come’n Try session on Friday March 17. The class will be for 1 hour, followed by a cuppa and a biscuit. The instructor is Meg Hutton, who has been teaching Tai Chi for over 10 years, specialising in ‘Tai Chi for rehabilitation’ for people with chronic health conditions. Tai chi helps with mobility, flexibility, balance and relaxation, and it is something the whole family can enjoy. Please come along and feel very welcome to bring a friend or family with you. It is hoped that there will be enough interest to continue the class on the Fridays of school terms. When: Friday 17 March Staying on top of your money – do you need help to take control of your finances?The MS Society, in partnership with the ‘National Debt Helpline’, will be offering a 2 session course about giving you the skills you need to budget, help you sort your bills and to share some great money tips for those expenses we juggle every day. When: Tuesdays March 7 and 14, 10.00am to 11.30am You are very welcome to bring a friend or family with you. Peer SupportMany of our MS Peer support groups will recommence in February. If you are thinking about going along to have a look at one, please check our website for details of the various groups and ring the group leader to check the details for when they will next meet. The Singing group meets for the first time in 2017 on Friday March 3, 1.30pm to 3.00pm at the Mitcham Cultural Village Hall, right alongside where they were last year at the Mitcham Uniting Church. New members are very welcome and no singing experience required. Riverland Outreach visitMS Society staff will be partnering with the Independent Living Centre (ILC) to present a day of information and resources at Berri on Tuesday March 21 2017. The ILC mobile van will be parked in the Berri Community Hotel car park so the public can visit and view the latest in technology and adaptive equipment. There will be a seminar ‘Continence Confidence – bladder and bowel, care and management’ from 10.00am to 12.00pm at the Berri Hotel, with the opportunity for attendees to have their questions answered by the MS Nurse and ILC OT, and to view a variety of continence products. On the night before, on Monday 20 March, there will be an opportunity to meet informally with MS staff from 6.00pm in the hotel bistro. You will be able to purchase a meal if you wish to join them for dinner. Please contact MS Assist for further information, bookings to attend either/both events are essential so please RSVP by 13 March via T: 1800 812 311 or msassist@ms.asn.au
MSchievous Bunch Cooling Vest Grants - CLOSING SOONApplications closing tomorrow! The grant program has been extended again, giving the opportunity for people struggling in the heat to obtain a cooling vest. The Cooling Vest Grant will subsidise the cost of an Arctic Heat cooling vest, successful applicants will only need to pay $50 to obtain a new vest, to help them cope in the heat. New applications must be received by 16 February 2017. Successful applicants will need to pay a $50 contribution before orders can be placed. For an application form and more information, contact MS Assist on 1800 812 311 or email msassist@ms.asn.au Companion CardResidents of South Australia with permanent disability may be eligible for a Companion Card if they need attendant care support to attend recreational or leisure events. The card allows free entry for a carer at participating venues. The card also allows free travel for a carer on public transport when they are with the card holder who has a valid metro ticket. Phone 1800 667 110 (free call) or see: http://www.sa.companioncard.asn.au Grants for people with disability to attend conferencesThe Australian Government is offering grants of up to $10,000 to assist people with disability to participate in nationally-focused, disability-related conferences held in Australia. Funds can be used for expenses such as conference fees, travel and accommodation for people with disability. Grants are available for nationally-focused, disability-related conferences held in Australia between 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. Applications close 14 March 2017. |